Generic Zetia

Indications for Generic Zetia

Zetia or ezetimibe is drug used for lowering the levels of LDL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol. It works through reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestines. Zetia could be taken alone or in combination with a statin drug to make the drugs even more effective.

Zetia is generally prescribed in patients who have high cholesterol levels in the blood. It is also prescribed for patients who have a heart disease or have a higher risk of developing the condition. It can also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Important Information about Generic Zetia

You should not use Zetia if you have an allergy to ezetimibe.

Zetia or ezetimibe is only usually given to a patient if other methods such as changing lifestyle habits are unable to lower cholesterol levels. It is important that if you have been prescribed with Zetia that you also follow the other guidelines given to you by your doctor regarding your diet and exercise habits. Doing so would make sure that you would be getting the full effects of the medication.

Zetia should not be used by individuals who have moderate to severe liver disease as well as by children below the age of 10.

Inform your doctor of any other drugs or medications that you are taking especially if you are using cyclosporine and fibrates such as Tricor or Lopid to make sure that they would not be interacting with Zetia and causing harmful effects.

Zetia or ezetimibe belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C which means the effects of the drug on a developing baby are not known. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are trying to get pregnant or are nursing.

Dosage and Administration of Generic Zetia

Zetia or ezetimibe can be taken with or without meals. If you have also been prescribed with a statin drug, you could take it together with Zetia. However, if you have also been prescribed with the medications cholestyramine, colestipol or colesevelam, you need to take Zetia about two hours before or four hours after you take the other medication.

The recommended dosage of Zetia is 10 milligrams once daily. Follow the exact dosing instructions on the prescription label or the instructions given by your physician.

If you miss a dose of Zetia or ezetimibe, take it as soon as you can but if your next dose is almost up, you could just skip the missed dose altogether and take the next regularly scheduled one. Never take two doses together.

If you overdose on Zetia, get emergency medical help right away.

Possible Side Effects of Generic Zetia

Some of the side effects which can be experienced with Zetia or ezetimibe would include back pain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, joint pain and sinusitis. If you are taking Zetia with a statin drug, you could also experience some other side effects like chest pain, headache, dizziness, upper respiratory infections and muscle pain.